Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Pune Municipal Elections

Political Dynamics in Pune

As the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections approach, Supriya Sule, a Member of Parliament from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), emphasized on Monday that there have never been any disagreements within her family. She expressed concerns regarding the rising crime rates in Pune, questioning the measures taken by the Mahayuti government. Sule stated, 'I have written several letters to the Chief Minister regarding the increasing crime in Pune, and I would like to ask him what actions have been taken in this regard.' She further mentioned to reporters that there has always been unity in her family, and they are all dedicated to serving the public. Her remarks come after the NCP, led by Ajit Pawar, formed an alliance for the upcoming PMC elections.

Sule also highlighted that her party has released a progressive manifesto, expressing confidence that the residents of Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad will support them. On Saturday, Sanjay Raut, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT), claimed that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the NCP were to collaborate with Dawood Ibrahim, they would likely grant tickets to his relatives. During a public address, Raut asserted that the Mahayuti cannot win elections without resorting to intimidation. He argued that Pune, once renowned for its beauty, is now labeled as a 'city of goons.'

Raut further criticized the political landscape, stating that Pune, which was once a beautiful city, is now known for its criminal elements. He remarked that whether it is the BJP or Ajit Pawar's party, there seems to be no shortage of gangs whose relatives have received election tickets from these parties. He provocatively suggested that if these politicians had connections with Dawood, they would have offered tickets to his relatives, including Chhota Shakeel and Chhota Rajan, emphasizing that winning elections without intimidation is impossible.